System for determining RF path loss between an RF source and an RF receiver and related methods

Abstract

A test method for determining radio frequency (RF) path loss between an RF source and an RF receiver for a plurality of RF channels in a given RF frequency may include determining RF path losses for selected RF channels within the given RF frequency band, and determining an RF path loss function based upon the RF path losses of the selected RF channels. The method may further include determining an RF path loss for at least one other channel within the given RF frequency band based upon the RF path loss function.

1. A test method for determining radio frequency (RF) path loss for a plurality of RF channels in a given RF frequency band, the test method comprising:
 providing an RF source for transmitting RF power values at a relatively fine granularity; 
 providing an RF receiver for generating received signal strength indicator values (RSSI) at a relatively coarse granularity; 
 determining RF path losses for selected RF channels based upon generated RSSI values of the RF receiver within the given RF frequency band by sweeping relatively coarse and relatively fine RF power values transmitted from the RF source; 
 determining an RF path loss function based upon the RF path losses of the selected RF channels; and 
 determining an RF path loss having the relatively fine granularity with a finer granularity than the relatively coarse granularity of the generated RSSI for at least one other channel within the given RF frequency band based upon the RF path loss function. 
 
   
   
     2. The test method of  claim 1  wherein determining the RF path loss function comprises determining the RF path loss function based upon a least squares algorithm. 
   
   
     3. The test method of  claim 1  wherein determining the RF path loss function comprises determining the RF path loss function using a plurality of splines. 
   
   
     4. The test method of  claim 1  wherein determining the RF path losses for the selected RF channels comprises determining the RF path losses for the selected RF channels within an anechoic RF chamber. 
   
   
     5. The test method of  claim 1  wherein the RF receiver comprises a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) receiver. 
   
   
     6. The test method of  claim 1  wherein the RF receiver comprises a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) receiver. 
   
   
     7. The test method of  claim 1  wherein the RF receiver comprises an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) receiver. 
   
   
     8. The test method of  claim 1  wherein the RF source comprises a base station emulator. 
   
   
     9. A test method for determining radio frequency (RF) path loss for a plurality of RF channels in a given RF frequency band, the test method comprising:
 providing an RF source for transmitting RF power values at a relatively fine granularity; 
 providing an RF receiver for generating received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values at a relatively coarse granularity; 
 determining RF path losses for selected RF channels based upon generated RSSI values of the RF receiver within the given RF frequency band within an anechoic RF chamber by sweeping relatively coarse and relatively fine RF power values transmitted from the RF source; 
 determining an RF path loss function based upon the RF path losses of the selected RF channels based upon a least squares algorithm; and 
 determining an RF path loss having the relatively fine granularity with a finer granularity than the relatively coarse granularity of the generated RSSI for at least one other channel within the given RF frequency band based upon the RF path loss function. 
 
   
   
     10. The test method of  claim 9  wherein the RF receiver comprises a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) receiver. 
   
   
     11. The test method of  claim 9  wherein the RF receiver comprises a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) receiver. 
   
   
     12. The test method of  claim 9  wherein the RF receiver comprises an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) receiver. 
   
   
     13. The test method of  claim 9  wherein the RF source comprises a base station emulator. 
   
   
     14. A test system for determining radio frequency (RF) path loss over a plurality of RF channels in a given RF frequency band comprising:
 an RF source for transmitting RF power values at a relatively fine granularity 
 an RF receiver for generating received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values at a relatively coarse granularity; and 
 a test controller coupled to said RF receiver for
 determining RF path losses for selected RF channels based upon generated RSSI values of the RF receiver within the given RF frequency band by sweeping relatively coarse and relatively fine RF power values transmitted from the RF source, 
 determining an RF path loss function based upon the RF path losses of the selected RF channels, and 
 determining an RF path loss having the relatively fine granularity with a finer granularity than the relatively coarse granularity of the generated RSSI for at least one other channel within the given RF frequency band based upon the RF path loss function. 
 
 
   
   
     15. The test system of  claim 14  wherein determining the RF path loss function comprises determining the RF path loss function based upon a least squares algorithm. 
   
   
     16. The test system of  claim 14  wherein determining the RF path loss function comprises determining the RF path loss function using a plurality of splines. 
   
   
     17. The test system of  claim 14  wherein determining the RF path losses for the selected RF channels comprises determining the RF path losses for the selected RF channels within an anechoic RF chamber. 
   
   
     18. The test system of  claim 14  wherein the RF receiver comprises a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) receiver. 
   
   
     19. The test system of  claim 14  wherein the RF receiver comprises a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) receiver. 
   
   
     20. The test system of  claim 14  wherein the RF receiver comprises an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) receiver. 
   
   
     21. The test system of  claim 14  wherein the RF source comprises a base station emulator.